03/22/2026
Twelve years ago today on March 21st, 2014, Catmandu welcomed our 1st official rescue cat. Her name was Sassy and she was a Nevada Humane Society reject. Since then, nearly 3,000 cats have come through our doors on their way to a better life. We've healed sick ones, tamed wild ones, and sat patiently with the ones who needed to learn — sometimes for the first time — that humans could be trusted. We've watched cats move from terrified to curious, from grieving to playful, from shut down to wide open. We've seen them find their people. We've seen them find joy. We don't take any of it for granted.
Over the years, thanks to our volunteers and supporters, the comfortable, cat-centric paradise that is Catmandu has continued to evolve and improve. We added catios, an outdoor area, and made real improvements to the facility. Now, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we own the building outright. Cats like Chester will always have a home here.
Chester arrived in 2020 as a tawny flash of orange fur at our feral feeders — there one moment, gone the next. He was beat-up, matted, and deeply suspicious of the human race, which, given what life had apparently thrown at him, was fair. Slowly, painstakingly, with the help of Temptations treats (Chester's big weakness), we built a little trust.
Then one day we found him in the front yard, gravely ill with a horrible respiratory infection. Despite being certain he would tear me up, I scooped him up, brought him inside, and we got to work. With a lot of TLC, homeopathy, expert care from Dr. Sean Peck at All Creatures Veterinary Services, and the kind of stubbornness that characterizes both Catmandu and orange cats, Chester pulled through.
That was the beginning of the long, ultimately triumphant process of turning Chester into a domestic cat. He had been one once, long ago. He remembered, somewhere deep down. It just took time — and patience — and a lot more treats.
Today Chester is approximately 15 years old. He is still, without question, top cat here. He has a big personality, a couple of teeth, some health issues earned through his years on the streets, and a permanent spot on the lap of anyone who will hold still long enough. Chester is Catmandu. A little rough around the edges. Tougher than he looks. And, at the end of the day, an absolute marshmallow.
We have 50-ish cats like Chester living permanently at the sanctuary right now — cats with various issues that make them hard to adopt. They are not sad stories. They are home. We currently have 20 adoptable cats seeking good furever homes. An additional 49 cats are happy in homes through our Senior-to-Senior Foster Program, which matches cats age 10+ with people 55 and older. We provide medical and other support as needed. It is a fabulous program! We also provide information, networking, and problem-solving for cats in the community and the people that care for them. For such a small organization, we do a LOT.
I was told many years ago that the secret to a successful non-profit is to do good deeds and tell people about it. We excel in the good deeds department, but aren’t great at tooting our own horn. Talk is cheap. It’s what you do and who you are that matters. We encourage people to look at actions rather than words and publicity when they are choosing who to support with their time and money.
We want to thank everyone who has helped Catmandu through the years. Because of you, Chester has a lap to sleep on. Because of you, nearly 3,000 cats got a better life. Because of you, we're still here and plan to continue helping cats in our community for many years to come.
We receive no government funding, no grants from umbrella organizations, no support from national networks. Every dollar that keeps the lights on, the food bowls full, and the vet bills paid comes from people like you, who believe that every cat deserves a warm place to land. As we head into our 13th year, your continued support is not just appreciated — it is how we exist. If you've been thinking about renewing your support or making a gift in honor of our anniversary, we would be so grateful. Every dollar goes directly to the cats in our care.”
